MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. The West attempted to destroy Russia despite the country's years-long attempt to integrate into Western civilization, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"I want to point out that despite many years of attempts by the new Russia [authorities] to become part of the so-called Western civilization, they [the West] actually did everything to isolate and further dismantle the Russian Federation itself," Putin said at the 23nd annual session of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

According to the Russian president, despite all the internal political changes that have taken place in Russia, the West still viewed it as a key part of the historical Russian Empire.

"This notion is still being raised at various events and gatherings focusing on the motto that 'We need to finish dismantling the Empire,' " Putin added.